Compare Listings

Best Places to get in the Holiday ‘Spirits’

Best Places to get in the Holiday ‘Spirits’

Each year around this time we start to get in the spirit by decorating or playing holiday music…or both. This year, we thought there’s no better way to get in the spirit than by getting into the spirits! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots to cozy up by the fire, overlook an ice rink & just flat out get in the holiday spirit!

McGillin’s: Ready for the holidays? Then McGillin’s is the place for you to let out your inner elf! These halls are decked early for the season; from floor to ceiling! Bundle up & head to McGillin’s!

Moriarty’s: If you’ve been to Moriarty’s in the past, you know it’s a warm spot with wings and beer – the perfect place to watch the Eagles on a chilly Sunday afternoon. Then Turkey Day comes & it’s game on – from the top of the bar, to every corner around the joint there’s greenery, ornaments stockings and more. It really is a site to see

Parc: Nothing quite gets you in the holiday spirit like a charcuterie plate & a nice glass of bubbly. At Parc you get not just that but also a stunning view of Rittenhouse Square. The park will host its annual light night on November 27th at 5pm. From then on the park will be festively lit each night. And so will you if you indulge in the bubbly!

Rittenhouse Library Bar: Never been? Not surprising! This is a hidden gem just off of Rittenhouse Park, tucked away in the Rittenhouse Hotel. The reason we love this bar this time of year…well actually, there are quite a few! For starters, the the dim lighting and roaring fireplace simply make it feel like you’re sitting in your living room (sans the servers bringing you drinks). Next up, they have such a variety of drinks, especially seasonal drinks that will really get you humming jingle bells! Plus, it’s a tradition for us to walk through the park either before or after a drink at the Library Bar, so you’re immersed in holiday lights and the chill of the night.

The Lodge at RiverRink: This goes without saying; the rink is only here for the winter months & it’s full of holiday spirit! You can smell the fire pits from blocks away & immediately you anticipate sipping your drinks by the fires or inside the lodge on a rocker, or at a bench with friends! There’s only a few drinks to choose from, from what we recall from years past it’s warm drinks with your choice of liquor or beer. It may be different this year, but come prepared knowing you’ll be warming your belly with coffee & kahlua or cider & vodka!

ITV: Always a cozy & quaint bar but this holiday season, Nick & his team are taking it up a level. Christmas pop-up Miracle, which takes over bars around the world come holiday time is back for a second year! With special events, guest bartenders & a limited time holiday drink menu ITV should definitely be on your holiday bar bucket list! Miracle is popping up on Black Friday and will take over ITV through the end of December.

Brauhaus Schmitz: Of course, we immediately thought Oktoberfest when we hear Brauhaus Schmitz but really…Germany and Christmas go together like PB & J! The first weekend in December they host a Brunch with Santa as well as a Goose dinner complete with traditional carolers & a tree lighting. Details on the event & tickets here.

Walnut Street Cafe: With it’s sleek white & grey ambiance you don’t exactly warm up here, however, the large windows make it great for looking at all of the city lights, and who know…maybe even a flurry or a snow shower. We spent one morning enjoying brunch when the snow was falling and it felt like we were sitting inside of a snow globe; a true winter wonderland.